Month: July 2021

God…What Time Is It?

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About Biblical End Times, Prayers For Peace3 Comments
Round Gold-colored Analog Watch
And God said: “My time is not your time.”

Sometimes you just gota know.  Yes, you just want to know what time it is…especially when it has to do with Eschatology.  The definition of Eschatology is the study of what the Christian Bible says is going to happen when this world comes to an end.  End time prophecy is sprinkled throughout the verses in the Bible, but the main biblical chapters that compiles the most information about this mystery is found in the Book of Revelations, followed closely by the Book of Daniel.

Currently, my bible study group is reading and praying over the verses in the Book of Revelations, and while I was studying and meditating over Chapter 19, the Holy Spirit blessed me with the most revealing interpretation of verse 19:7 which reads:  “Let us rejoice and be glad.  For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready .”

Now, I’m just sayin’…this early morning encounter with the Holy Spirit was completely ‘out of the blue’ and certainly  unexpected.  The Spirit said to me STOP! In the Name of Love and understand what you are reading.  A marriage is about to take place.  Who is getting married and to whom or to what?

Spontaneously, I spoke out loud and said, The Lord Jesus Christ is about to celebrate in marriage His reign over government rule, along with His gift of salvation! For to me, that was the “what“. (Read Revelations 19:2. ) Immediately, my thoughts went to Isaiah 9:6, and John 3:16-17.

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6  

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.   For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him [by receiving His gift of Salvation] shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:16-17.  

While Jesus Christ lived on earth, you will recall that the Lord spoke these words to His disciples:  “Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar (the Government) the things that are Caesar’s, and to God (Spiritual things) the things that are God’s.’”  Mark 12:17

At that time, the Israelites thought Jesus came to earth to overtake the Roman government through war tactics and if He did, the Israelites would be exempt from paying Roman taxes.  But It was not within God’s timing for his Son to annihilate “Babylon” (governments) just then, and institute Jesus’ Second Coming as predicted in Revelations.

So, once again, I am asking (having a conversation) with the Holy Spirit…then, what time is it?

Dear Readers of this blog…I don’t know if you also have these kinds of in-depth conversations with our God, but I do.  True, I veered off from the type of blog post I usually write each week, but I ask that you forgive me.  Perhaps the interpretation I received from the Holy Spirit for Revelations 19:7 is way off the mark according to what the scholarly biblical Eschatologists believe.  And I get that!  But I’m just sayin’… that explanation is what the Holy Spirit gave me.

What Does “No One Knows the Day or Hour” Mean
As you read God’s Word ask him to give credence and understanding to its meaning; Make sure it aligns with the Lord’s will.

Dear Heavenly Father, I read in Psalm 130 where David said that he called to You from the depths of his crises. And that he put his faith in You and trusted You and also waited for Your fulfillment of Your Word.  That’s my prayer, too, Precious One.  Not only for myself, Lord, but for all those who call upon Your Holy and All-knowing Name as their Counselor.  For my research tells me, My Lord, that while You were here on earth, approximately 200 times trick questions were asked of You, but You only gave direct answers to about 3 of them.  So, therefore, Dear Jesus, I await patiently, for You to make it plain to me the revelations of Revelations.  And in the meantime, I will continue to study and pray to show myself approved.  I ask it all in the precious Name of Christ Jesus.  Amen and Amen!  

Scripture Lesson: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Never Revokes Your Prayers…You Do!

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers For Life Changes, Prayers For Peace7 Comments
Prayer Changes Things: I called the Lord and He heard my cry by [Tafiska Nyasulu Ndovi]
Remember to thank God first BEFORE asking!

Did you know that prayer changes things?  Notice, I said prayer changes things…not changes God’s mind.  To think that our prayers changes God’s mind is presumptuous thinking.  For we read in Malachi 3:6 that “I (God) the Lord do not change”.  So, our best bet when partitioning God’s throne is just to pray that God’s will be done, and not our own. You do this by praying His word back to him.

Some time ago, a guest minister was invited to speak at a church I used to belong too.  Her message to the awaiting congregation was spirit-filled and impacted practically all in attendance.  She expounded on ways to use God’s holy word when praying specifically for life’s situations.  For surely, as you know, one of the main ways that God works in our lives is through praise and worship.

Here is what the itinerant preacher had to say on just how to partition God’s throne in the most positive method.  First, she asked the awaiting congregation the following questions:  Do you want God to ‘show up’ in due season with HIS answers to your prayers?  Or do you abandon your partitions when you do not receive a reply instantly?  Or worst yet…do you commence ‘helping’ God by taking the situation into your own hands?

The preacher recommended that when praying, begin your prayer time with God by using scripture that implores Him to do something anew for you as he has already demonstrated he can and did do in your past.  For example, pray a thankful doxology prayer first and make it a personal confession: 

Dear Holy and Everlasting Father, I thank you for blessing me and keeping me all the days of my life.  I sincerely am appreciative that you make your face to shine upon me, and you are gracious towards me.  May you always turn your face towards me and give me peace.  (Revised from Numbers 6:24)

After praying the above introductory statements, continue with your new partitions by using more scriptures, quoting chapter and verse.  Here are a few examples:

Now, Dear Jesus, according to Ephesians 1:17, 18 and 19, I sincerely ask that You bless me with the spirit of wisdom, the hope of your calling and the exceeding greatness of your power as I lead your people on this awesome journey to…(name the place or situation)

Now, Sweet Jesus, just as it is written in Ephesians 3:16, I beseech Thee to keep me and strengthen me with Thy might and holy spirit and cause me to be routed and grounded in love…as I go forth in Your Name to…(name your situation here)

Now, Holy Father and Lord of my life, just as it is written in 1 Peter 1:4, I humbly approach Your throne of grace to ask You to keep me from the corruption that is in the world through lust and pornography and to keep me from falling and present me faultless before the presence of Your glory with exceeding joy as it is also written in Jude 24.  Amen and Amen!

I ask you…are you getting the picture of what the itinerant preacher had to say?  I do heartedly hope so.

psalms chapter 1 verse 3
Practice makes perfect…Just keep praying

So, I will close with this prayer for you…

Dear Lord, may Your face shine upon all those who call upon Your Holy and Righteous Name as Your people make Your ways known upon the earth (Psalms 67:2)   And may their efforts under the guidance of the Holy Spirit turn many to righteousness (Daniel 12:3) with a zeal for good works. Amen.  (Matthew 5:1). 

Scripture Lesson: “Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 2:14).

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

God Is My Refuge And Strength

On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers For Peace, Prayers For Strength9 Comments
God Often Displays His Strength In Whirlwinds

Hello everybody. And how is the world treating you today? As for me and my house, all is well. Why? Because I am on vacation!

Belmont, NC

While on vacation, I was thinking…although we know that God is Spirit, references in the holy scriptures allows us to also attribute/ascribe qualifications of a personal or human nature to Him. When we do characterize God in this way, He becomes the very personification of humanity. That is why I can proclaim with assurance that He is my refuge and strength.

To realize that Jesus Christ is with me and I need not be afraid gives me strength and hope. Why? Because believe it or not, I’m not perfect! I make mistakes. I speak out of turn and sometimes without thinking. I sometimes forget special birthdays of friends and family members. I have also been known to forget to renew insurance policies and other business affairs. I may use profanity when I stump my toe. And although I try, I cannot always please everybody.

So, when I declare that God is my refuge and strength, I truly embrace the fact that He and He alone provides me a place of shelter and safety from the pursuit of all hurt, harm and danger. I take comfort in being in Jesus’ presence, trusting in His promise of eternal life. And I always lift up prayers asking forgiveness for all my short comings, mistakes and misguided afflictions I may bestow on others.

Another thing I ask of God is to include me in providing services to others. To always be generous in sharing my blessings with others and to remember to shout praises and adoration to the glory of God.

Just because I am on vacation with my family, I do not want to neglect my readers and followers of this blog message. I am grateful to God for allowing the Holy Spirit to converse with me each week and to remind me of the goodness of God. May you, too, be blessed and enjoy His presence each and every day.

My prayer for you…

Dear Heavenly Father. I truly thank you for Who You are and for making it possible for me to focus on the things that give me hope and to look away from those things that scare and frighten me. I praise you for the promise of eternal life and the assurance that you are my refuge and strength both spiritually and personified. Amen and Amen.

Scripture Lesson: “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

    God Knows His Mathematics

    On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About Increase/Decrease, Prayers For PeaceLeave a comment
    Romans 8:28
    …and “All Things” include God’s creation, mankind, and Angels!

    One of the more popular themes in the Christian Bible are the stories and parables about situations that have to do with arithmetic.  In fact, the first place in the holy scriptures where the word referencing mathematics is mentioned is during God’s acts of creation of the creatures of the universe:

    “And God blessed them (the creatures), saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. (Genesis 1:22)
     

    There are also at least three scriptures in the bible that deal with addition and subtraction:

    You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2)  

    Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it. (Deuteronomy 12:32)  

    And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.  (Revelation 22:19)

    And, last but not least, the Bible has a lot to say about division.  This word appears approximately 68 times in scripture:

    But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.  (Luke 11:17)

    I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  (Romans 16:17)

    My question to you is this: Do you also apply the tenaciousness of The ‘Mathematician’ as you pursue the gospel and deliver its message to the masses?

    Surprisingly, there is one disciple who experienced all four mathematical Truths while under the tutelage of Jesus of Nazareth. His name was Philip.

    Portrate of the Apostle Philip

    ADDITION – While in Galilee, Jesus found Philip and invited this man to follow Him. Later that day, Philip found his brother Nathanel and invited Nat to follow Him. Jesus welcomed Nathanel and assured him that before this journey was over (people believing Jesus was sent by way of God), Nathanel would see heaven open and God’s angels descending to the Son of God. (John 1:43)

    MULTIPLICATION – While still in Galilee, Jesus looked and saw a great crowd following Him. Jesus said to Philip, where can we buy bread to feed these people. Philip doubted that no amount of money would be enough to feed this crowd of more than 5,000 people. Jesus showed Philip how just one loaf of bread and two fish could miraculously feed the people and have twelve baskets of food left over. (John 6:5)

    DIVISION – The Israelites were taught to trust in the One Spiritual God for everything. Jesus (The Physical Man) preached a message (aka The Way) that instructed the people to just trust in Him. All the people had to do was to follow the road He was on. Thomas doubted that Jesus’ road led anywhere. And Philip said to Jesus, Master, just show us the Father. Jesus’ response to Philip was son, you’re looking at the Father! (The message being that One Person could be divided into three!) (John 14:8)

    SUBTRACTION – Later on, an angel spoke to Philip and instructed him to go to a certain road and join an Ethiopian eunuch who was riding in a chariot and reading passages in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. The Holy Spirit told Philip to aide the eunuch in his interpretation and understanding of the passage he was reading. Since the eunuch was returning to his home in Ethiopia from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem where he had no doubt heard about the crucification of Jesus, Philip used this opportunity to relate Jesus’ life and fate over the Old Testament scriptures the eunuch was seeking an understanding of. The eunuch received and embraced Philip’s message and asked to be baptized. Philip immediately took him down into the water which was nearby. When they resurfaced, the Holy Spirit supernaturally removed Philip from the scene. (Acts 8:26)

    THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER:

    SPIRITUAL ADDITION VS. SPIRITUAL MULTIPLICATION (This caption and picture is borrowed from Google.)

    Spiritual addition in ministry is when someone wins other people to Christ, but does not disciple, train, and deepen those converts to go out and do likewise. While we will review the biblical basis for spiritual multiplication, for now let it suffice to state that in Matthew 28:18-20, we are commanded to go and make disciples, not simply converts.

    My Prayer For You:

    “Lord God Almighty, the Maker of Heaven and Earth, and the Multiplier of everything therein, You know me and my capabilities. You also know that I am a sinner saved by grace and the washing of the Blood of Your Son, Christ Jesus. Please touch me as You did Isaiah and his message and You did the Apostle Philip and his understanding. Make my sins disappear and be forgiven and that I will be prepared to be sent out into the world to proclaim the Gospel as one of Your messengers.” Amen and Amen!

    Scripture Lesson: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)

    Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!

    God Initiated For Mankind A Day of Independence

    On By tgifmastermindsIn Prayers About Freedom, Prayers For Peace2 Comments
    “God Shed His Grace On Thee“

    Based on the title above, I bet you thought that this week’s blog was going to be all about how and why America’s initial Pilgrims and Puritans sought their independence by seceding from Great Britain (England), which was their Mother country.  Well, your assumptions would be partially correct.  But what I really want to blog about is how those events of 1620 and 1630 line up with the word of God and the authority he has imparted to his Son, Jesus Christ, to dispense to his people regarding freedom.

    Prologue…

    On June 7, 1777, select members from the 13 American colonies met at the Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania State House to draft a formal statement declaring their independence and freedom from England.  Similar words had already been written in Galatians 5:1 giving all of mankind their independence and freedom in Christ Jesus.

    “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

    In the 1500s after breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church, due to a royal matrimony dispute, England created a new church denomination called the Church of England.  In addition, a royal edict declared that all England had to belong to this new denomination.  God’s word in James 4:7-8 provides guidance to all those who seek godly advice in such matters concerning the heart.

    “Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded”.

    Approximately one hundred years later a group of worshipers in England known as Separatists sought to separate themselves from the Church of England so that they could practice their own religious customs freely.  Their leader, William Bradford, was successful in obtaining permission to establish a new colony in Virginia. Therefore, his congregation left England and set sail on the Mayflower in September 1620 for the New World (America).  Hopefully, the mindset of those Pilgrims aligned with the word of God which is written in Psalm 33:12.

    “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”

    Ten years later in 1630, the Puritans, yet another group of reformers seeking religious freedom, readied themselves to leave England.  Basically, they wanted to flee the harsh punishments inflected upon all those who opposed the teachings of the Church of England.  (I have no idea if the Puritans’ incentive was based on this holy word written in Galatians 5:13.)

    “For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

    The Puritans headed out for the New World under the leadership of John Winthrop, with a charter from the Massachusetts Bay Company.  This group of worshippers finally settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.  It is recorded in history that this group did believe that God would protect them if they obeyed his laws and commandments.

    Approximately one hundred years later in 1777, the New World (America) had received an influx of new migrants from England, and they had established thirteen colonies along the coastal lands of America.  It was now time for the new settlers to officially gain their independence from the Mother country, Great Britain.

    On June 7, 1777, the Continental Congress met to formulate a document seceding all colonies (in force at that time and in the future) from England’s ownership and rule.  Due to in-house bickering and political disagreements, Congress had to establish a five-man committee to draft a resolution to be agreed upon prior to voting.  The resolution was finally passed and ratified on July 2, 1777.  Hear what the Bible says about legislated freedoms in 2 Corinthians 3:17 and Romans 8:2.

    “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”

     In conclusion of this brief American History Lesson, please allow me to draw another quote from the Holy Bible; John 8:36.

    “So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

    THUS, AS A RESULT OF THESE ACTS CHRONICLED ABOVE, A FEW DEVOTED INDIVIDUALS ESTABLISHED THE 4TH OF JULY WHICH HAS BECOME A NATIONAL HOLIDAY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

    Below is a prayer in song for the land and inhabitants of America. Skip the commercials and stand and salute the American flag as you prayerfully listen to the words. Just CLICK the name Kate Smith.

    Kate Smith – God Bless America – 1938 Irving Berlin – YouTube

    Scripture Lesson: “That the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” Romans 8:21

    (All Scripture quotes in this blog are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

    Click http://www.tgifmasterminds.wordpress.com every Friday for a new post from The Master’s servant manager…Me!